How Long Does It Take for Dissolvable Stitches to Dissolve? (Open Rhinoplasty)

Question

i had an open rhinoplasty 11 days ago and have dissolvable stitches placed on my columella. My surgeon did not remove them as he said they will fall themselves. How long will it take for the stitches on my columella to dissolve?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

External sutures on your columella may be fast-absorbing sutures that typically fall off between one to two weeks postoperative. hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

It’s not unusual for surgeons to use absorbable sutures across the columella and on the inside of the nose when they perform open rhinoplasty surgery.  Depending upon the specific type of suture utilized, these sutures resorb between ten days and eight weeks following surgery.  In some cases, if they’re bothersome or protruding from the nostril they can be removed early.  After seven to ten days these sutures are no longer providing structural support and have therefore outlived their usefulness.
            If you have specific questions regarding your sutures and rhinoplasty surgery, consultation with your surgeon is appropriate.  Your surgeon should be able to answer all your questions.

Bao L. Phan, MD · Answer

It just all depends on what suture material is used.  Some dissolve in about a week.  some will require 4 months. Some in between.  It just depends on the type of suture.  The longer they stay in and the more they are visible on the skin, the more inflammation they may cause and the worse the scar may look.  I would follow up with your PS as scheduled so he/ she can monitor how your incisions are healing.  Best wishes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

After rhinoplasty permanent sutures in the columella are removed it about five days. Dissolvable stitches usually fallout at about the same time with a gentle cleansing.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

When surgeons use dissolvable sutures in the columella, they often use plain gut, fast absorbing sutures, which typically fall off by 1-2 weeks. If 2 weeks have gone by and they still remain in place, i would request to take them out so that they don't leave any track marks around the incision.

Deeper sutures often used in rhinoplasty, such as PDS, that are buried and used for cartilage work, typically take a few months for the body to break up and absorb. 
-David Mattos, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

How Long Does It Take for Dissolvable Stitches to Dissolve? (Open Rhinoplasty)

Answers (9)

Answer: Most dissolvable stitches placed in the skin are gone in 10 days.

Answer: Most dissolvable stitches placed in the skin are gone in 10 days.

Answer: Typically by 2 weeks

Answer: Typically by 2 weeks

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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How Long Does It Take for Dissolvable Stitches to Dissolve? (Open Rhinoplasty)

Answers (9)

Answer: Most dissolvable stitches placed in the skin are gone in 10 days.

Answer: Most dissolvable stitches placed in the skin are gone in 10 days.

Answer: Typically by 2 weeks

Answer: Typically by 2 weeks

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.